Sikkim becomes country’s first paperless judiciary state

Why in the News?
Sikkim has been declared India’s first paperless judiciary state by Justice Surya Kant at a conclave in Gangtok.

About Paperless Judiciary
A paperless judiciary refers to a system where court processes—filing, documentation, hearings, and case management—are conducted digitally through e-filing, virtual hearings, and online tracking systems, reducing reliance on physical records.

Key Features

• Complete digitisation of court records and filings.
• Use of e-filing systems and virtual hearings.
• Digital case tracking and management.
• Reduced dependency on physical paperwork.

Significance

• Improves access to justice by overcoming geographical barriers, especially in hilly regions like Sikkim.
• Reduces delays caused by manual processes.
• Enhances transparency and efficiency in judicial functioning.
• Aligns with broader initiatives like the e-Courts Mission Mode Project.

Benefits Highlighted
The Chief Justice emphasised that digital transformation helps litigants tackle challenges related to distance, cost, and difficult terrain, making justice delivery more inclusive.